Whenever I am away from home, it isn't very long before I start missing the ocean. I soon find myself gravitating to the closest body of salt water and, if one isn't close by, a lake or river will do. So, yesterday, I was glad to take a train from London south to Devon and get to the coast. As my train from Exeter to Exmouth rounded a curve and the stunning view of the Exe estuary came into view, I felt the frenetic pace of London fade away. The purpose of coming to Budleigh Salterton is to visit my mother's dear cousin and her lovely husband who live here; however, the secondary prize is to see the spectacular coastline. This part of east Devon along with a lot of Dorset coastline is known as the Jurassic Coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The first thing I did after finding my B&B was to walk down to the sea front. Even though the weather wasn't as sunny as promised, the smell of the sea, the sight of the waves and beached boats, and the sound of the gulls were restorative. I read the sign about the "Steamer Steps" (see photo below), took some pictures and walked along the beach.
Of course, what's a girl to do after all that bracing sea air? Well, the answer is simple: head to a tea shop for a renowned Devon Cream Tea which, for the uninitiated, includes tea with scones, jam and clotted cream! The Cozy Teapot was just the place. Thankfully, the hike up Sherbrook Hill to Mom's cousin's home later helped burn off all those calories!!!
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